Can You Use Nonstick Pans Under A Broiler?

Broiling is a quick and effective way to achieve a perfectly browned dish, whether you’re finishing a cheesy casserole, crisping up roasted potatoes, or giving glazed veggies a caramelized finish. But when it comes to the type of cookware you’re using, is it safe to place a nonstick pan under the broiler?

Broilers reach intense heat levels, and many nonstick pans just aren’t made to handle that type of heat. Here’s why it’s best to skip nonstick cookware when broiling, and what you should use instead.

Broiler Basics & Heat Intensity

Unlike conventional oven baking, which uses indirect heat, a broiler produces direct, concentrated heat from above—essentially like an upside-down grill inside your oven. This makes broiling ideal for finishing dishes with a golden crust or crisp exterior.

However, not all cookware can safely handle this extreme burst of heat—particularly for an extended period of time. Nonstick coatings in particular can degrade quickly in these conditions.

Risks Of Using Nonstick Pans Under The Broiler

Most nonstick pans have a PTFE (Teflon) coating, which performs best under low to medium heat. Using these pans under the broiler can create a few key issues:

• Fumes: Nonstick coatings start to break down at around 500°F, potentially releasing harmful fumes.
• Shortened lifespan: Extreme heat can warp pans, damage coatings, and void warranties.
• Safety hazards: Damaged coatings can flake or peel into your dishes, affecting the taste and safety of your dishes.

When It Might Be “Allowed”—With Caution

While it’s a safer bet to skip using nonstick pans when using the broiler, there are some high-end nonstick pans that can be used safely up to specific temperatures (usually under 500°F).

Make sure to read the instructions on your cookware, ensuring the pan is labeled “broiler-safe” or safe up to 550°F. Even so, it’s best to use low broil settings, and keep the broiling time as short as possible to reduce the risk of damage.

Preferred Cookware Alternatives For Broiling

For safety and to extend the life of your cookware, it’s best to skip using nonstick pans when broiling, and instead use more heat-tolerant materials. These include:

• Cast iron: Can be moved from the stovetop to broiler, retain heat well, and are great for withstanding high heat cooking.
• Stainless steel: Durable and safe in extreme temperatures.
• Traditional broiler pans: Typically made from enameled or stainless steel, and designed specifically for broiling.

Make sure to avoid glass bakeware, which can shatter under direct broiler heat, or pans with plastic or silicone handles, which can melt.